The price of raw chilies in the local market has dropped by Tk 100 per kilogram following the resumption of imports through Hili land port after the Durga Puja holidays, reports BSS.
Nuzrul Islam, a raw chili trader at Hili port, explained that prices had risen during the eight-day closure for Durga Puja. "With imports now back on track, the price has decreased. Currently, chilies are being sold at Tk 150-160 per kg wholesale, down from Tk 250-260 last week," he said.
Trucks carrying Indian raw chilies began arriving at Hili port on Saturday morning, according to Md. Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi, President of the Dinajpur Land Port Import Exporters Association. He confirmed that the arrival of the chilies had already reduced prices by Tk 100 per kg in the local market since Sunday.
"Due to the extended closure, chili prices had gone up. But with imports resuming, prices are expected to keep falling," Shilpi added. Importers noted that further price reductions could occur if the import volume increases.
Md. Nizam Uddin, a revenue officer at Hili customs, reported that around 30 tons of raw chilies had been imported from India by 3:30 PM on Saturday, with another 30 tons arriving by noon on Sunday. "Efforts are being made to quickly unload the trucks, which will help further reduce prices as the chilies reach wholesalers," he said.
Despite heavy rain in India, which has slowed imports, traders remain in close contact with Indian suppliers to ensure a steady flow of raw chilies into the market.
Plaban Roy, another trader at the port, highlighted that while imports began on Saturday, the ongoing rains in India have caused delays. "Once the rain subsides, we expect a rise in shipments," he said.
Anil Chandra, a chili trader at Hili Bazar, noted that domestic chilies were sold for Tk 260 per kg last Friday. "With the arrival of Indian chilies, we're now selling them for Tk 100-160 per kg, depending on quality," he said. "The price is expected to drop further as more imports arrive this afternoon."
Md. Yusuf Ali, an officer with the Plant Quarantine Department at Hili port, confirmed that import-export activities resumed on Saturday after the holiday break. "We are providing full support to ensure quick clearance of raw chilies since they are perishable goods," he added.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
